How do I make my old program work with Windows Vista/ Windows 7/ Windows 8 etc

Abstract: Using these steps, you should be able to get almost any product created before Windows Vista to work in a modern OS

Embarcadero and most software vendors test their software with current Operating Systems that are available. It is extremely rare for a vendor to go back and test a product already released with a newer Operating System. So, you are living dangerously using your older product with a new OS because it has not been tested. However, following the steps below, you should be able to get almost any software product that has been created before your current Operation System to work.

Don't install to Program Files or Program Files (x86). Microsoft changed the rules of what can be written to these directories as of Windows Vista and most older programs don't follow these rules.

When in doubt, right click on any executable (includes installers) and Select Run as Admistrator.

When in doubt, right click on any executable (includes installers) and select Properties. Go to the Compatibility tab and make your product run in a compatibility mode for an Operating System that was available when your product was released.

Run Msconfig, select Diagnostic startup and reboot. Note that diagnostic mode turns off many things, most notabably internet connectivity and virus detection. So, you will want return to Normal mode as soon as it is practical.

Note that users installing versions of Delphi, C++ Builder, and Borland Developer Studio prior to version 2007, may find these instructions useful as well: www.drbob42.com/examines/examin84.htm